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4d ago

Pentagon Ramps Up GMLRS Production and Fast-Tracks Unmanned Systems

Expanded authorities will boost rocket output to 14,000 per year, fast-track unmanned system fielding, schedule precision munitions deliveries by 2026

Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Emil Michael addresses the Department of Defense Manufacturing Technology Program Exhibition at the Pentagon on July 8 (DoD Photo)
BAE Systems' AMPV outfitted with Oshkosh Defense's 30mm Medium Caliber Weapon System utilizing the ExMEP universal top plate. Photo: BAE Systems.
U.S. Air Force 102nd Rescue Squadron evaluator pilots check the control panel of an HC-130J Super Hercules as they fly from Ämari Air Base, Estonia, to Aviano Air Base, Italy on Jan. 26, 2024 (U.S. Air Force Photo)
Extended Range-GMLRS. Photo: Lockheed Martin.

Overview

  • The Army awarded Lockheed Martin a $4.24 billion contract modification to raise GMLRS production ceilings, aiming for 14,000 rockets annually through fiscal 2027.
  • Services are exploiting rapid-procurement vehicles with a solicitation for ‘launched effects’ targeting widespread fielding in 2026 and a pending $17 million Neros deal for 8,000 FPV drones.
  • Navy officials plan to integrate an unmanned surface vessel into a carrier strike group by late 2026, transitioning USVs from prototypes to operational assets.
  • Govini’s 2025 scorecard highlights that nearly half of critical defense parts face long lead times and supplier shortages, while the DNFSB report flags elevator failures in Los Alamos’s plutonium facility.
  • Merlin Labs announced a SPAC merger valuing it at $800 million pre-money and securing over $125 million in committed PIPE funding to accelerate AI-powered aviation capabilities for defense.